First Ebola case in France after doctor returning from Congo tests positive

France has confirmed its first case of Ebola virus disease after a doctor returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the country is battling a rapidly growing outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus.

The French Ministry of Health said on Wednesday that a health worker with the humanitarian NGO ALIMA tested positive for Ebola after returning to France from a mission in one of the virus transmission zones in Congo. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, had been caring for an Ebola patient in the DRC.

French authorities said the doctor was taken to a specialised medical facility upon arrival in the country and is receiving care. The patient is in stable condition, according to the ministry.

“All precautionary measures, including the patient’s isolation, were taken upon their arrival in France,” the ministry said. It added that the transfer to hospital was carried out under secure conditions to prevent any risk of contamination.

An epidemiological investigation is underway to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the patient. The ministry said a regional health agency will closely monitor contacts during a 21-day home isolation period.

The confirmation of the case came as the World Health Organisation (WHO) provided an update on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. During a media briefing, the WHO said there are now 1,094 confirmed cases and 277 confirmed deaths linked to the outbreak.

The WHO said the outbreak continues to spread rapidly, although more than 100 people have recovered. The agency noted that many patients can survive the disease with early detection and supportive care.

Preparations have also been completed for a clinical trial expected to begin in the DRC next week. The study will evaluate whether the antivirals MBP134 and remdesivir can reduce mortality in patients with Bundibugyo virus disease, either individually or in combination.

The Congolese health ministry said the current outbreak, declared on May 15, is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain of Ebola for which no vaccines or treatments currently exist. Officials described it as the worst outbreak ever caused by the virus in terms of case numbers during its first month.

Health authorities in Congo acknowledged that the actual number of infections could be significantly higher than reported and warned that the outbreak may not have reached its peak.